The second day of the Community in Unity Fall Fest kicks off with a parade at 9:30 a.m. today at James School Park. Pope County Sheriff Aaron DuVall will serve as grand marshall of the parade which will feature a senior citizen’s bus, representatives from Bikers Against Child Abuse, antique cars and other local vehicles.

Chandra Jackson, one of the event’s organizers, said local merchants are also invited to participate in the parade.

“Anyone is welcome,” Jackson said.

The two-day event began Friday night with gospel singing and continues today with the parade, various guest speakers, a taster’s choice food contest, a basketball shoot-out and other games. Local artists will display their work and food vendors, games and informational booths will be open throughout the event, which Jackson said will end “whenever we get through.”

The community event, hosted by New Oil Restoration Outreach Ministry, is in its sixth year. Jackson said the gathering was developed by Phyllis Foster Walls and Lashawn Peevy.

“God gave them a vision of the whole community getting together sharing their gifts and helping each other,” Jackson said. “The two of them put their visions together and it blossomed into this Fall Fest.”

Jackson said the group’s intention is for the festival to grow in popularity each year.

“It’s Sister Wall’s desire for this to be a vehicle for former James School students to come back and visit. It could also be a good place for a family reunion,” Jackson said.

Jackson said the event is meant to be a time for people to discover aspects about each other and help each other.

“There have been a lot of people who have learned things they never knew their neighbors could do,” Jackson said. “... It’s like God’s saying, ‘Ya’ll can help each other if you would.’”

Jackson said next year’s Community in Unity Fest is scheduled for Oct. 5 and 6.